Ed Smith

Edward J. "Ed" Smith, a sixth generation and lifelong Newporter, former Newport City Councilman, businessman, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and devoted friend, passed away peacefully with family at his side on August 26, 2026 at the age of 78.

Born and raised in Newport, Ed was the son of Truman E. Smith and Evelyn Ring Smith. He grew up on Merton Road with his three sisters Nancy, Paula, and Claire and graduated from Rogers High School. Newport remained his home throughout his life. He was deeply connected to the city, its waterfront and its people.

Ed was married to his beloved wife, M. Christie Smith, whom he adored and met over a 35 cent beer in a college-town bar. Together they built a life centered on family, service, friendship and Newport. Their marriage and the family they created were Ed's greatest sources of pride. Ed was the father of Christopher and Ryan, loved their wives Caitlin and Ashleigh, and was a deeply proud grandfather. His grandson and four granddaughters brought him tremendous happiness, and he cherished the time spent with them.

After graduating from Fairfield University and earning an MBA from URI, Ed returned to Newport and became a businessman and entrepreneur. He pursued a wide variety of ventures during his life. In the 1970s, he owned antique stores (The Golden Retriever and China Trade Antiques), flipped houses, and most memorably he and dear friend Tom Benson operated an innovative floating retail business on a barge along the Bannisters Wharf waterfront that tested both the City's municipal and State's coastal codes. He later owned the Goat Island Ship Store, the Trading Company on Bannisters Wharf, worked at JT's Ship Chandlery, managed the National Hotel on Block Island, and had favorite adventures driving for Cozy Cab. Perhaps his greatest gift to the Island was the opening of Christopher Ryan International Toy Store on Thames Street which was always stocked with the hottest toys and was a daily after-school hang out for Newport's youth. His varied working life reflected his curiosity, independence and willingness to try something new.

Ed also believed strongly in public service. He was elected to represent Newport's Third Ward on the City Council in 1979 and served through 1983. During his time in office, he was involved in many debates over development, city infrastructure and the long-term character of Newport. His work on the council still is reflected in Newport today-he championed the new police station, improved the policeman and fireman pensions, brought the school system out of budget crisis, made sure new buildings fit Newport's charm, and invested in Cliff Walk, Easton's Beach, and Ocean Drive. He famously, successfully fought the proposed 300 million dollar Goat Island Casino which he felt would turn Newport into Atlantic City. Ed approached public service as a lifelong resident who cared deeply about balancing Newport's economic future with the needs of the people who called the city home. Long after leaving elected office, Ed remained interested in Newport government, development and civic life. Anyone who knew him knew that his term on the Council may have ended, but his opinions and love of Newport certainly did not.

Ed loved sports, particularly golf, tennis and squash. He was a State squash champion and captained his college tennis team. As a member at Wanumetonomy Golf Club, he coordinated the Cappy's Golf League where the friendships and conversation were every bit as important to him as the competition and arguments about the standings. Ed was also a familiar presence throughout Newport. Whether at Gary's Handy Lunch, the Franklin Spa, the Pearl, Cappy's, on Thames Street, or at his children's and grandchildren's sporting events, Ed seemed to know someone everywhere he went. He had an easy ability to strike up a conversation with just about anyone and maintained friendships across generations and throughout the city.

One of Ed's greatest pleasures was bringing people together. Family gatherings, especially his famous Christmas morning breakfast which was open to anyone, became traditions that would bring literally hundreds together. Ed was happiest with a house full of relatives and friends, his children and grandchildren nearby, and something cooking on the stove.

Ed will be remembered for his love of Newport, his entrepreneurial spirit, his sense of humor, his loyalty to family and friends, his strong opinions, and his genuine enjoyment of people. He is one of Newport's sons and a champion of everything this town represents.

Ed is survived by his wife, Christie; his sons, Chris and Ryan; his grandson, Colin; his four granddaughters, Shaelyn, Ayleigh, Avery, and Farryl; daughters-in law Caitlin and Ashleigh; his sisters Nancy Damas, Paula Conway, and Claire Oakley; and many beloved brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his father Truman and mother Evelyn.

Ed spent his life as part of Newport, and Newport became part of him. His family and friends will remember him with love, laughter and gratitude for a life deeply rooted in the city he always called home. A visitation will take place on Tuesday September 1 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm at Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary's Church in Newport on Wednesday, September 2 at 10:00am.

At his burial site at St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown, there is a bench designed by the John Stevens Shop under a Styrax japonicus tree which Ed planted - please stop by and have a sit and a conversation any time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ed's memory to Fairfield University https://give.fairfield.edu and the Potter League for Animals https://potterleague.org/donate/